Sandy Bridge processors on sale at Malaysian retailers

Intel's Sandy Bridge processors aren't due for release until early 2011, likely coinciding with January's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), but some retailers have jumped the gun. According to Lowyat.net, Malaysian retailers Compuzone, StarTec and Viewnet have begun selling several versions of the next-generation chips along with LGA 1155 motherboards.

The retailers have listed six Sandy Bridge processors for sale, including the 2.8GHz Core i5 2300 ($185), 3.10GHz 2400 ($195), 3.3GHz 2500, 3.3GHz 2500K, as well as the 3.4GHz Core i7 2600 ($300) and 2600K. If you're curious, the 'K' versions feature an unlocked multiplier for easier overclocking. We don't see a price for these yet, but you can expect to pay a premium.

Lowyat.net also discovered a few photos of Sandy Bridge chips and motherboards on Compuzone's Facebook page, but they appear to have been removed or blocked from public view. We're not sure if the retailers have received clearance from Intel, but it wouldn't be the first time a major tech product was launched prematurely -- especially in Asian markets.